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The S.C. National Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 178th Field Artillery, once based in Lancaster was deactivated in August, but its legacy is alive and well.And now, thanks to the members of American Legion Post 31, the unit – called Palmetto Thunder by some and the “Third Herd” by others – won’t be forgotten.Those who attend Saturday’s Veterans Day ceremony will get a chance to see what gave that unit its ground-shaking name.

I’m originally from the small town of McColl, which is out in the woods somewhere between Clio and Bennettsville.Growing up, I heard a thousand times the tragic story of M.L. Jackson and his death at the hands of the Imperial Japanese Army. I vaguely remember kids running up and down the street beating on pots and pans one day.

Fire up your cauldron and get out your broom! Bubble bubble, toil and trouble, get ready for Halloween on the double!You don’t need a magic spell to make your home the best haunt in town, just follow these decadent decorating tips to assemble a ghastly menu.Here are a few boo-tiful decorating ideas:– Place a branch in your chandelier, stretch fake spider webs over it, top with black plastic spider. This is a must for a spooky dinner party.– Use the fake spider web to get that special “haunted house” feel.

When it comes to baptism, age is never an issue.Neither is a medical condition. Just ask 83-year-old James Neely.Neely, who is confined to a wheelchair, was baptized Sept. 24 at Crestview Baptist Church.James’ health might not be the best and he might be hard of hearing, but he realized it was time to make peace with the Lord at a recent singing at New Hope Baptist Church in Heath Springs, said his wife, Jackie Neely.The Neelys have been married for 60 years.

On a late afternoon, Ray and Barbara Fleming relax by soaking in the view from the front porch swing at their home at 317 Bailey Road.Hanging baskets filled with potato vines and ferns surround them while, just ahead, the front door is flanked by towers of ivy that winds and climbs along pointed wire forms.Rocking chairs welcome guests to join them to sit and enjoy the day, too.The view extends to the front yard where a blend of low-maintenance shrubs with colorful foliage are complemented by perennial and annual blooms.

When Kevin Spencer was 5 years old, his mother told him he was going to be a magician when he grew up. Three years later, his parents gave him a magic kit for Christmas.He did magic tricks throughout grade school, high school and worked his way through college with his own magic act.But it wasn’t until he saw Harry Blackstone Jr.

With three teenagers at home, Laura Joyner is always looking for ways to save money.These days, she constantly reminds the two oldest (ages 16 and 18) to watch their spending habits by coming home for meals.“We’ve cut out eating out and are eating at home a lot more,” she said.Not only that, but her husband, Chuck, is opting to come home for lunch.“I fix him a plate and put in in the refrigerator,” she said.

Reggie Mathis went to work this morning just like he always does. And if he did his job right, nobody noticed, which is just the way he likes it.Mathis, 40, has been delivering copies of The Lancaster News to more than 250 homes along Grace Avenue and throughout portions of Erwin Farm for 20 years.He is one of the 44 independent carriers who combined to work more than 100 hours this morning and drove more that 2,150 miles to make sure you’re reading what you’re reading right now.He hit the road about 2 a.m.

The switch from analog television to the digital age is still a little more than four months away.But Doug Crenshaw has a piece of advice for homeowners who still use an antenna to get their television signal.At midnight, Feb.

Lancaster County is rich in history with buildings, churches and homes that have withstood the test of time. Now another local landmark is getting added to the list of local treasures.The Lancaster and Chester (L&C) Railway will proudly be recognized at 3 p.m. Sunday when a S.C.

Evelyn Springs didn’t take sides in a bidding war for Shawn Crawford’s 2008 Olympic bag Tuesday night during an auction at “Lancaster Cooks 2008 – Look Who’s Cooking” fundraising banquet for Autism Speaks.When auctioneer Richard Patterson banged his gavel, Bruce Brumfield won the framed bag that Crawford, a two-time Olympic medalist and Van Wyck native, used during the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing.(But won may be a relative term.)Brumfield forked out $6,000 as he outbid Crawford’s friend, Lisa Barber, for an aut

Two of inspirational music’s best loved vocal acts are bringing their tie that binds to Lancaster this week.Gold City – one the top male quartets in Southern gospel music – will be together with Ivan “The Voice” Parker at Second Baptist Church, along with King’s Cause. The concert is 7 p.m. Friday.Regularly featured on Bill Gaither’s Homecoming Video and Concert Series, and a member of the Gaither Trio, Parker just received another favorite soloist award during the National Quartet Convention.

Attention all bluegrass music fans – it’s time once again for the Carolina Legends Festival, to be held today and Saturday at Andrew Jackson State Park.This year marks the festival’s 20th anniversary, although this is the first time it has not been held on Mother’s Day weekend, said Christina Chastain, galleries and program director at the Lancaster County Council of the Arts.

The Lancaster Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association is sponsoring a workshop on drip irrigation, deer damage prevention and insects and diseases at 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Steele Farm, 241 Community Lane.